Columbus and Crunch center Jeff Szwez have mutually agreed to a release from his AHL contract so he can pursue a job in Europe. He has landed a deal in Finland.

Columbus' Chris MacFarland stressed that Szwez wasn't just dumped, and that if Szwez didn't want to look elsewhere he'd still be a member of the Crunch.

"It's a way to try and help Jeff, to be honest, so maybe he can get an opportunity for next year,'' MacFarland said. "Jeff is not a bad guy. We weren't looking to get rid of the player. He hasn't been a problem.''

Szwez posted four goals and six assists in 33 games for Syracuse this season, after going 12-11 in 47 games last year. He has been a healthy scratch for six straight games.

I asked MacFarland why he thought Szwez' play had dropped this season.

"Everybody can tell you Jeff is a big guy who can skate, and probably didn't play as hard-nosed and competitive, as urgent, as we wanted him to on a consistent basis,'' MacFarland said.

MacFarland also said there will likely be a recall from Syracuse today. Gilbert Brule, anyone?